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The Infinite Wisdom

The Infinite Wisdom (The Snow Adventures Book 2) by [Estes, Danny C]

You can tell a good book from the first chapter. I loved the first paragraph, as the author used animal characters which I enjoyed reading. The story line is fun, and the reader easily falls in love with the characters. One good thing about this book is that the reader learns a few lessons after every chapter. Reading about animal characters is exciting, as apart from the knowledge we have about animals, the author added other traits to make the book more interesting.

Mr. Thomas Thelin and his wife were among my favorite characters in the book. I also loved Mrs. Svea Dovell as she was a bold character. She was also not afraid of showing her disgust towards the characters she didn’t like. Though aggressive at times, I loved her attitude. Some stories are broken into smaller bits, which make it easy for the reader to understand.

What better way of making the book a little colorful than to add pictures of characters? I loved that the author added images in between the chapters which made it easier to picture the characters’ habits and their physical looks. Johnny Roo’s outfit fits his character.

The Infinite Wisdom is a great read for fans of the fantasy genre as I found this book to be engrossing. The character development, as I’ve seen in many pieces by Danny Estes, is superb. Using anthropomorphic animals to tell the story adds an extra layer of intrigue to every piece of character interaction. This book is a fun read and I was quickly swept away as the characters navigate a genetics lab and track down the hairless apes.

The Infinite Wisdom is an excellent book for both young adults and anyone looking for a lighthearted read that still captures your imagination. Like any good author, Danny Estes has a good command of language and sets his character up for twists that I surely didn’t see coming.

I enjoy books that make me lose myself when reading and this book did exactly that. I couldn’t stop once I started.

Pages: 287 | ASIN: B07HD79PW5

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Literary Titan Book Awards February 2018

The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and imagination of these talented authors.

Literary Titan Gold Book Award

Gold Award Winners

Neutral Space by [Tran, Rebecca]Braxton Snow P.I. (The Snow Adventures Book 1) by [Estes, Danny C]Phoenix by [Chugpai, Arti]

The Outcasts: The Blood Dagger: Volume 1 by [Hayes, Misty]The Dragon Grammar Book: Grammar for Kids, Dragons, and the Whole Kingdom by [Robinson, Diane Mae]

Action Men with Silly Putty: A Jack Donegal Mystery (Jack Donegal Mysteries Book 1) by [Clark, Susan Joy]Empyrean (The Brin Chronicles Book 3) by [Cronin, Jim]Don't Ever Look Behind Door 32 by [Fegan, B.C.R.]

Literary Titan Silver Book Award

Silver Award Winners

Serial K Returns by [Gallagher, Brian]The Fall of Lilith (Fantasy Angels Series) by [Quiroz Vega, Vashti]

Grandma's Secret Blessings: A Memoir with a Twist by [JohnEgreek]

Dreaming on an Arabian Carpet by [Martek, Igor]The Victory Perspective by [Kellett, E.J.]

 

Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information and see all award winners.

 

Vulnerable and Strong

Danny C. Estes Author Interview

Danny C. Estes Author Interview

Braxton Snow P.I. is a thrilling mystery romance novel that follows an anthropomorphic wolf, Braxton who is trying to find a missing archaeologist in an increasingly complex case. What was your inspiration behind the mystery in this novel and how did you develop it?

I was surfing the net exploring images to tweak my imagination when I came across drawing of animal/people or furries. The drawing details are amazing. I especially liked wolves, foxes and rabbits. Considering what type of world they might live in and how they came about lead me to an old story I’d yet written. With a bit of reworking of characters I came upon an idea. Mankind had vanished, but how did animals take over? This is the mystery. An archaeologist seemed needed to dig up these facts but telling the story by his view point seemed lacking in adventure. Thus Braxton was born. Yet again a simple private eye left the story dry. This is where Joann arrived and his family, making Braxton interesting. As the story evolved with these three main characters so did the complexity which opened new doors to where the story could go. The first book, Braxton Snow P.I. would involve a small group of animals who would forge a path to book two, The Infinite Wisdom.

Braxton’s character was meticulously developed and his relationship with his fiancee is heart warming. Did you plan their relationship or did things happen organically as you were writing?

I always like to put some love interest in my stories, though Charlotte Soul, is an exception. For Braxton, a wolf partner seemed common place while not really helping out the world building. So Joann was born. She aided the story in more ways than one. As I worked her out on paper her role deepened, giving Braxton more depth. Vulnerable and strong, I thought she complemented him.

I find that there is often a lot of symbolism in stories where animals are anthropomorphized. Was there anything that you felt worked better in your story with animals then it would have with humans?

This story needed characters who are not human. In later books this will become more apparent. Besides, I thought writing up animals a new challenge. One which would hold more in-depth thinking as animals have far better sense then we have.

What is the next story that you are working on and when will it be available?

The next story is the continuation of The Snow Adventures. The Infinite Wisdom. If luck holds this second book in this series should be out by October. I’ll give a shot out on my webpage before it does.

Author Links: GoodReads Facebook | Website

Braxton Snow P.I. (The Snow Adventures Book 1) by [Estes, Danny C]

Braxton Snow P.I., a big city arctic wolf, follows a missing-persons case to his detriment. The fox he’s hunting is an archaeologist digging into the mystery of where the hairless apes of centuries before disappeared to. When Braxton gets too close to his quarry, his jackrabbit fiancée becomes the prey.

Braxton walked away from life in the savage glacial wolf clan—now his past comes back with a howling fury. Will he find the fox and the answers? Will he save his fiancée from the stewpot?

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Braxton Snow, P.I.

Braxton Snow P.I. (The Snow Adventures Book 1) by [Estes, Danny C]

Sometimes the past declines an offer to stay back there. Past lives will often come right around to haunt and demand closure.

Braxton Snow left his village life behind. He often feels out of place in the big city but no matter. He loves his Furlton life. He may have been a village boy but the city has embraced him. His life is not perfect but he loves it still. His private investigation practice feeds, clothes and houses him. He is dating a beautiful white tail jackrabbit. His family would never accept Joanna, to them she would be dinner. However, this is not a matter of concern. His family is not part of his life anymore. She is beautiful, funny and she cares about him, which is all he wants out of a life partner.

Braxton’s life is pretty silent save for the occasional exciting case. One day Catharina Nelson seeks him out for his investigation services and the course of his life changes, unbeknownst to him. The red fox hires him to find Oscar Sullivan. Oscar is an archeologist who is looking into the mystery of the hairless apes which has gone extinct. The case seems pretty open and shut but in the preceding days, it gets more and more complex. For one, Braxton is not the only one searching for this man. This would not be a problem if both parties were on the quest with the same goal in mind.

With the case’s complexity comes danger. Soon, Joanna becomes a target for these dangerous characters. Braxton finds himself back in the hands of the family he abandoned and is not well received. This is a problem not only because of their treatment of him but also because they are a threat to his beloved’s life.

How far will Braxton have to go to save his fiancé? Will they survive the trip through the glacier?

Danny Estes presents a book filled with mystery and suspense. The characters are animals but the reader will barely notice their animal quality. This is due to their deeply illustrated personalities. The story is captivating and gripping and every description is vivid. The opening of the book gives us a look into Braxton’s life and grounds the background so that it becomes believable. You get a sense of his usual routine, which makes the case coming his way much more exciting, because you understand what he’s left behind.

Braxton Snow is written in first person narrative which is quite impactful to the reading experience, but it’s still an easy read that I enjoyed because of it’s unique perspective. The tone is informal and lighthearted. Conversations between Braxton and Joanna are especially heart-warming and so ordinarily special.

Braxton Snow P.I. is targeted at a wide audience exclusive of children. Don’t think that this story if for kids just because there are animals in it. This is a thrilling adult story for anyone who enjoys action, mystery and fantasy along with some steamy romance. This book is an enjoyable read. Definitely deserving of five stars.

Pages: 203 | ASIN: B073TGWGYS

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A Magical Theme

S. Jackson Author Interview

S. Jackson Author Interview

Uncle Stubby Gets Married takes the idea of simple squirrels and marriage and melds them together into a fantastic story of kindness and cheer. What was the inspiration that made you want to write a kids book about this subject?

First – wild squirrels. We have them in our backyard and the neighbors do as well. They are truly wild but they also come up to eat nuts and seeds my husband puts out for them, as well as the water. We watch their funny antics and many have names such Stubby due to his short tail, Sparkles because she is a juvie squirrel with a radiant white tummy, Foxy – well she is a mama squirrel and has had litters in two years. Cutter has a tear in his ear, Nibbler has a small tear and a hole in his ear, and so on. Shadow is our daughter’s small dog and one day we thought the squirrels and Shadow would make for a good children’s book. Shadow and the squirrels had just spent Christmas in New York City and Central Park when the idea of Uncle Stubby Gets Married hit us. We love to teach kindness with all the animals in our books, and to have them be friends no matter what the animals were like in the real world. We also figured it was high time Uncle Stubby got married.

What were some themes that you felt were important to highlight in this story?

Friendship and kindness are very important and those elements are always added in our children’s book. We teach safety and learning about animals in our books, and we like to have everything colorful and eye catching. Having the animals work together in the wedding illustrates how children can work together in the real world, also.

I felt that the art in the book was well conceived. How did you decide on which images and themes to use?

Theme wise we knew if the wedding was held in a magical fairy forest, that no animal could even remotely get hurt, or preyed upon by hawks and other predators. In keeping with a magical theme it was only proper to use magical animal characters and a magical forest as the setting.

Uncle Stubby Gets Married is book 5 in the Shadow and Friends Series. What is the next book in the series and when will it be available?

Book 6 is a work in progress, and the title is Shadow and Friends Circus Adventures. Not only will the squirrels, Shadow, and her boyfriend, Max, be a part of the circus; plans include many different animals and the the acts will also be done in a magical theme. We are planning on releasing in early May, 2017. We also have book 7 as a work in progress and Shadow and her friends will help the town of Ellsworth, Kansas, celebrate it’s 150th birthday August 2017. This will be a fun book, too, with all the old west built in, and it should be available early to mid July, 2017.

Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website

Uncle Stubby Gets Married (Shadow and Friends Series Book Five 5) by [Jackson, S., Raymond, A., Schmidt, M.]“In this children’s picture book, and sixth book in our ‘Shadow and Friends Series’, Uncle Stubby Gets Married, a fox squirrel named Uncle Stubby has fallen in love with a girl squirrel named Sparkles. Squirrel family and friends, including a small dog named Shadow, and her boyfriend, Max, are invited to attend the wedding in a special Valentine Fairy Forest. Uncle Stubby thinks Sparkles is the most beautiful girl squirrel in the land. Uncle Stubby’s twin, Shorty, flies in from New York City with his family, and Shorty is best man for his brother. Foxy is matron of honor for Sparkles. The Valentine Fairy Forest is truly a magical land, the illustrations show how this dream forest looks, and all the animals are safe in this forest both day and night. Along the way, we meet mouse fairies, and Minister Mouse conducts the wedding. Sparkles’ wears a crown, and Uncle Stubby is dressed in a cummerbund. Various other animals are present, including one unicorn, and the bride and groom spend their wedding night in Walnut Forest, a special part of the Valentine Fairy Forest. Children will love seeing how magical the forest is, with abundant sparkles thrown in for good measure. This delightful and funny book for children, targeted at ages 4-11, is easy to read and perfect for home or classroom. This story illustrates how beautiful the Valentine Fairy Forest looks, produces pure imagination in children, and the illustrations will fascinate children and adults.”

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Plenty to Satirize

Victor Schwartzman

Victor Schwartzman Author Interview

King of the Moon is a story is about the strange, entertaining, and hilarious life of the king. What was your inspiration for the wild journey you take readers on in only this one week of the kings life?

I have written all my life, and as an adult generally had projects. King of the Moon was the latest—it was time, again, to write I novel. I’ve tried previously but was never happy with the results. For a while an idea had been in the back of my head about someone dying and waking up on another planet as its King. I decided to give the idea a try. The first chapter worked out pretty good, and then the second, and then, with rewrites, it was a year later. Why the subject matter? Our current world demands satire! I look at everything from the current Presidential election campaign to environmental issues to personal politics.

I found this novel to be a cutting piece of satire. What is one thing that you hope readers take away from your novel?

That they enjoyed it and want to read it again.

Most of the book takes place in the kings head, his thoughts and ruminations. What was your writing process to ensure you captured the essence of this character?

Well, each chapter had to satirize something. Sometimes low fruit, sometimes stuff high on the tree. Each chapter had to advance the plot. It also had to advance the main character. For example, it was after the first four chapters that I stopped and figured out what the rest of the novel would very roughly be. Short chapters. For satire, I started with the urge to have Kings and Queens instead of a democracy. Fox News and its impact on media played an important role. People fighting each other rather than a common enemy. Trading jobs for environmental pollution. Our world has plenty to satirize. Also, I played with Game of Thrones and Star Wars, two favorites.

What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?

The next book? The first seven or so chapters, unedited, are on http://www.redfez.net, along with a bit of my poetry and short fables. I started this graphic novel (is there another name for what I’m doing?) in 1994. There are 26 completed chapters. Currently I am going back and editing the chapters. As the original desktop publishing software no longer functions with modern Windows, I can only edit the PDFs, but that will do. It is fine tuning. The graphic novel? It is the story of a failed social services manager who wins the lottery. He uses the money to start a community newspaper. To prove he is a good manager, he only hires people who had been fired. He also deliberately creates problems.  Each chapter of the novel is one issue of the newspaper. This originated over 20 years ago, when there were community newspapers. Each issue is complete, with news articles, movie reviews, a comic strip and, on the end page, a puzzle.  You find out what is happening through those, along with the classified ads. It is reading fiction obliquely. It is reading fiction as if the novel was a newspaper and you could flip from article to article, choosing what you read.  The plot for each of the six characters progresses clearly, at least to me. Why have I spent so long working on this? I started almost as soon as I had my first computer. There is something about the concept. I love the format, which allows me to work in jokes and sarcasm.

Author Links: GoodReads

Buy Now From Amazon.comA satirical novel where Gulliver’s Travels meets Star Wars via Game of Thrones. Look into a dimension where everyone grows up believing Fox News! Plenty of jokes and cheap shots! A look at one week in the life of a new King who does not want to be King!

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